Chicago Cubs

Cubs Playoff Update: Chicago Moves Step Closer to Clinching Berth

The Chicago Cubs are aiming to secure their fourth straight playoff appearance this season, and with their magic number dwindling by the day, it’s time to take a look at who they could potentially face in the first round of the postseason.

Where the Cubs Stand:

Thanks to their win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday, the Cubs currently have a three and a half game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers in the Central Division race with just 11 games to play in their season.

The Cubs’ magic number currently stands at eight to clinch their third straight division title, and their magic number to clinch at least a wild card berth stands at five.

Who Could They Play?

If the Cubs end up winning the division title, they will likely wrap up the top record in the National League, securing home-field advantage through the first two rounds of the postseason.

If they get that seed, they will take on the winner of the National League Wild Card Game. Currently, the Brewers hold the top spot in the wild card race, with a two-game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals with 10 games left on their schedule.

St. Louis has a one and a half game lead over the Colorado Rockies for the second spot.

The Road Ahead:

The Cubs have one more true “road” game this season against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday, then they’ll fly home to Chicago for a long-awaited day off before taking on the White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field for a three game series.

The Brewers have a day off on Thursday before heading to Pittsburgh to start a three-game series against the Pirates. The Cardinals also don’t play on Thursday, and will begin a three-game series with the Giants on Friday at Busch Stadium.

Out west, the Rockies will head to Arizona to take on the Diamondbacks for a three-game series beginning on Friday, and the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are currently in the top spot in the NL West and hold a one and a half game lead on the Rockies, will play the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium over the weekend.

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